Top Ten Non-Wine Tasting Things to Do in The Napa Valley

The Napa Valley is known for its amazing wine and food scene but there is so much more to do in the valley. Whether you are looking to check off some bucket list items or explore the great outdoors Napa Valley has an activity that is sure to appeal to everyone. Below we have compiled a list of the top ten non-wine activities to enjoy during your stay in Yountville and the Napa Valley.

1. Take a Balloon Ride
There is nothing like getting up at the crack of dawn for a once in a lifetime experience. Your early morning wake up call will be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of the entire valley from the Vaca Mountains to the Mayacamas Mountains and everything in between. Napa Valley is home to some of the best Ballooning companies in the world and they all offer an amazing bucket-list experience.

2. The Napa Valley Wine Train
If you are looking for a different way to enjoy some of Napa Valley’s finest food check out all that the Napa Valley Wine Train has to offer. Journey back in time as you hop aboard the refurbished antique railway cars and enjoy a three hour fine dining meal while you take in the Napa Valley scenery. The Napa Valley Wine Train has both dinner and lunch options and is a truly unique experience in Napa Valley.

3. Explore Napa Valley History
Napa Valley has a rich and robust history for you to discover. The valley was home to the Wappo Native Americans, the first Land Grant to an American Settler, it is where the Donner Party settled and at one time had over 200 dairies. Explore the diverse history of the Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Museum Yountville, Robert Lewis Stevenson Museum in St. Helena and the Sharpsteen Museum in Calistoga. If you are interested in the geological history of the valley visit the Old Faithful Geyser or the Petrified Forest in Calistoga.

4. Get in Nine Holes
If golf is your game there are plenty of opportunities to golf around the Napa Valley. Head over to Vintner’s Golf Club in Yountville to experience one for the best Championship greens in Northern California. This public nine-hole course is also home to one of the best Bloody Mary’s and has a lovely restaurant where you can enjoy a light lunch while in the shade of the Maycamas Mountains.

5. Bike the Vine Trail
The Napa Valley Vine Trail currently runs from Kennedy Park, in South Napa, all the way to Yountville. The trail is a paved trail used solely by bikers, walkers, and runners. Eventually the trail will run from South Napa all the way to Calistoga; the whole length of Napa Valley. Rent a bike fromNapa Valley Bike Toursand enjoy the 25 mile round trip around the valley.

6. Take a Cooking Glass
If you love to cook or if you are interested in learning how to cook theCIA at Copiahas a class for you. The CIA at Copia is the ultimate hands-on experience for anyone who likes to eat delicious food. All classes are led by an expert and engaging chef and span from an hour long cocktail making class to a three hour long hands on full dinner experience in the newly designed Hestan Teaching Kitchen. While you are CIA at Copia make sure and check out all the new and exciting things that are happening in the space! If you are more interested in just eating delicious food instead of making it book a walking culinary tour withGourmet Food and Wine Tours and learn about all the different and amazing food that Napa Valley has to offer.

7. Enjoy a Spa Treatment
Many of the hotels and resorts in Napa Valley have their own private spas for guests only and some of them are also open to guests not staying at the hotel. If you are in Yountville book a special spa day at B Spa at Bardessono. Treatments change with the seasons to make sure that you are receiving what your body needs. If a mud bath is what you are after head up to Calistoga and book a mud bath at Golden Haven Hot Springs and discover why people have been coming to the Napa Valley for wellness for over a 150 years.

8. Take in an Outdoor ConcertThe summer months in Napa Valley are filled with concerts to fill up the warm evenings. Head over to Veterans Park in Yountville for free concerts every other Sunday from June-August. Hangout with the locals and enjoy some of Napa Valley’s finest food truck cuisine.

9. Shop till you Drop
If shopping is what you are looking for look not further! Yountville’s V Marketplace is home to many cute clothing shops as well as several amazing art galleries. If you are looking for some Yountville Swag to take home pop into Ranch Market Too!and check out their Yountville section. All of the tasting rooms in Yountville also offer a retail componte. Be sure not to miss Silver Trident which is decked out in Ralph Lauren Home or Hestanand its impressive collection of cookware.

10. Take a Hike
Napa Valley is home to some amazing hikesthat allow you to get off the valley floor and truly experience the majesty of the Napa Valley. If you are looking for a challenge head to Calistoga and tackle the Oathill Mine Trail, a seven mile out and back that gains almost 2,000 feet. If you are looking for something a little more relaxed hike around Lake Hennessey and enjoy the bird life that makes it its home.

No matter what you are looking to do Napa Valley has an activity for you! For more ideas on what to do on your Napa Valley vacation visit our website here or stop by the Yountville Welcome Center at 6468 Washington Street.